WRITTEN BY ONJALI Q. RAÚF
DIRECTED BY ANNIE SMOL & JON FRENCH
ABOUT THE PLAY
Meet Musa, a young boy from Eritrea who happens to be a refugee; Hayley, an autistic young girl who knows everything there is to know about frogs, and an all-singing, all-dancing bully by the name of Melody.
Can this unlikely trio come together to save an elderly neighbour from a dastardly con-artist? And if so, what will be the results?
DEVELOPMENT
Written with the help of children from across the UK who aided in the development of not only the plot, but also the characters, The Hero Next Door is a ground-breaking production exploring the themes of friendship, empathy, and the notions of what it means to be an ‘outsider’, created especially for 7–10 year-olds.
Completing its first tour in 2023 across London, the play is directed by Annie Smol OBE and Jon French for inclusive theatre company, Face Front, and includes film, animation, music and physical theatre to make it accessible for all. Delivered by a diverse collective of cast and creatives, including disabled, non-disabled, neuro and culturally diverse actors, an accompanying resource pack has also been designed to help children unpack and explore the issues of racism, bullying and autism as presented.
DETAILS FOR SCHOOLS & THEATRES
Age Guidance: Suitable for 7-10 year-olds, families & KS2 school audiences.
Running Time: 90 minutes with an optional interval.
Touring Company: A cast of 5 actors + 3 to 5 support/crew
Teacher resources: A teacher resource pack is available.
If you would like the play to be shown in your school or theatre, please contact:
Eliza Wilson
Associate Producer
eliza@facefront.org
